Elevation Tower
STARH · Varna - Bulgaria
People's Choice Award 2026
Category Winner 2026

Overview
The Elevation Tower is situated on the coast of Varna in a section characterized by its steep topography and concrete retaining wall. It connects two key pedestrian areas of the city - Alley One and the Sea Garden, overcoming a vertical drop of over 30 metres. The project is of great public importance to the city, improving accessibility in the area and becoming a landmark architectural feature. The design of the tower communicates visually and materially with its context through the use of light exposed concrete, integrating seamlessly into the existing landscape. The building consists of two simple volumes: a vertical box that houses the staircase and elevator, and a horizontal observation platform that also provides access to the upper level. The composition balances between solidity and transparency - vertical louvres enclose the staircase, emphasising the height of the tower while lightening its visual weight, while the lift cage has a narrow opening offering uninterrupted views during ascent and descent. With its minimalist design approach, the tower has a monumental presence, with the potential to become an iconic landmark along the Varna waterfront. The project not only provides an immediate link between two key pedestrian routes, improving accessibility and reducing travel time, but also aims to transform the prosaic act of vertical communication into an enjoyable and visually stimulating experience. As a result, the tower becomes an important architectural addition to the city coastline, combining practicality with aesthetic appeal, enriching the local environment in a number of aspects.
- Studio
- STARH
- Website
- starh.bg/en
- Location
- Varna - Bulgaria
- Edition
- 2026
- Discipline
- Concept Design
- Category
- Transport & Mobility Concept
Project credits
- Lead Designer
- Svetoslav Stanislavov
- Team
- Dimitar Katsarov, Iva Kostova, Hristo Dushev, Borislav Stanchev, Debora Hristova, Marina Madzharova, Maria Yanakieva, Rositsa Atanasova, Izabel Todorova, Angela Zlatanova, Viktoria Mihova, Daniel Petrov, Georgi Pasev, Vladimir Kavaev
- Photography
- Dian Stanchev
Gallery
08 imagesRecognised by LOOP
2026
People's Choice Award
Concept Design
Transport & Mobility Concept
2026
Category Winner
Concept Design
Transport & Mobility Concept




